Durack benefits from new reinsurance pool

The Morrison Government has finalised the design of the reinsurance pool for cyclone and related flood damage, following consultation on the draft legislation.

The reinsurance pool will be backed by a $10 billion annually reinstated Commonwealth guarantee and be administered by the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation from 1 July 2022.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price says after a long consultation process and hard work to get the right model, I very much welcome the Morrison Government’s plan to introduce legislation for the reinsurance pool this week in parliament.

“Given the crippling insurance premiums experienced by many in the north west I have pushed hard and consulted widely with my parliamentary colleagues to make this a reality. The pool is on track for the scheduled 1 July start date which is very important for Durack residents and business. Residential, strata and small business property insurance policies in northern Australia are expected to be eligible to be covered by the reinsurance pool for the risk of cyclone and related flood damage,” Ms Price said.

The pool is expected to reduce insurance premiums by up to $2.9 billion for insurance policies over 10 years. Homeowners in northern Australia with the most acute cost pressures are expected to benefit from up to 46 percent premium discounts, strata properties up to a 58 percent discount and SMEs up to a 34 percent discount.

“The establishment of a reinsurance pool has always been important in Durack to deliver on the Government’s commitment to maximising northern Australia’s potential and to ensure Australians in cyclone-prone areas have access to affordable insurance,” she said.

“By reducing the cost of insurance for households, strata and small businesses, we are taking another step towards delivering our vision of improving the resilience, liveability and prosperity of northern Australia,” she said.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said that the Government was committed to the benefits flowing through to policyholders and has directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to undertake price monitoring to ensure benefits of the pool are being passed onto policyholders.

Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Going for growth in the fertiliser industry

The Hon. David Littleproud MP

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia

Deputy Leader of the Nationals

The Hon. Melissa Price MP

Minister for Defence Industry

Minister for Science and Technology

Senator Susan McDonald

Special Envoy for Northern Australia

The Australian Government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has committed $255 million for critical infrastructure supporting the Perdaman Urea Project in Western Australia.

The $4.3 billion project located 20 kilometres north-west of Karratha will convert Australian gas into approximately two million tonnes of urea per year.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud MP said the NAIF commitment will help kickstart this new multi-billion-dollar industry.

“Australia currently imports around 2.4 million tonnes a year of urea for agricultural use, and the Perdaman project will have the capacity to meet 96 per cent of that volume,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The NAIF’s investment will provide farmers’ access to locally manufactured fertiliser, securing our agricultural production and boosting our exports.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Science and Technology, Melissa Price MP said the Perdaman plant is expected to provide an $8.5 billion public benefit to Northern Australia.

 “This investment is great news for Karratha, Dampier and the broader region, this project will support a peak of 2,490 construction and operations jobs over its 40-year life,” Ms Price said.

Special Envoy for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald said the NAIF has now made financing commitments of close to $3.2 billion to projects across Northern Australia, with around $1.3 billion of that for Western Australian projects.

 “Our investment in Western Australian infrastructure projects is expected to inject $12.9 billion into the economy and create more than 4,380 jobs,” Senator McDonald said.

NAIF Acting CEO Amanda Copping said the NAIF is committed to supporting projects that bring economic growth to northern Australia.

“We are pleased that our latest two loans will support the diversification of the Pilbara economy by supporting significant domestic manufacturing and creating thousands of regional jobs,” Ms Copping said.

The NAIF commitment is being delivered through two separate loans:     

$160 million to the Pilbara Ports Authority for a new multi-user wharf and facilities at the Port of Dampier to facilitate exports, and

$95 million to the Western Australia Water Corporation for the expansion of the Burrup seawater supply and brine disposal scheme that will also service the operation of Perdaman Urea Plant.

The Perdaman Urea Plant is considered transformational for Western Australia, having been awarded Major Project Status by both the Australian and Western Australian governments.

 Media Contact:

0455 448 985 (Minister Littleproud)

Rare earth project a gem for regional WA

The Hon. David Littleproud MP

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia

Deputy Leader of the Nationals

The Hon. Melissa Price MP

Minister for Defence Industry

Minister for Science and Technology

Senator Susan McDonald

Special Envoy for Northern Australia

The Coalition Government is investing $140 million through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) for the construction of the revolutionary Hastings Yangibana rare earth project in Western Australia.

The construction of the Hastings project will create up to 750 jobs, more than $1.25 billion in public benefit and support Australia’s growing critical minerals sector.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said this is an example of the Australian Government supporting businesses to make sure important local projects are brought to reality.

 “‘This project will help meet the growing global demand for critical minerals, supporting Australia’s position as a world-leading producer’,” Minister Littleproud said.

“It will make use of Northern Australia’s rich resources, strengthening key local industries and export markets to provide a real boon to our economy now and well into the future.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Science and Technology, Melissa Price said the Government’s financial support for this project will unlock game-changing benefits, particularly for employment and business opportunities in the Gascoyne, Carnarvon and Meekatharra regions.

“This project will support a range of new employment and business opportunities in the area, including for Indigenous communities,” Ms Price said.

“It has never been more vital to back local jobs and economic stimulus, which is why we are continuing to finance projects like this right across our North through the NAIF.”

Special Envoy for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald said the project will involve the development, construction, mining, and processing operations to produce 15,000 tonnes of the valuable Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate each year.

 “The Hastings Yangibana Rare Earth Minerals Project delivers on a range of key Australian Government priorities, supporting both the critical minerals industry and our Northern Australia economic development agenda,” Senator McDonald.

 “The project will be transformational for businesses and communities alike, and I can’t wait to see shovels hitting the ground and this project supporting jobs.”

 NAIF Acting CEO Amanda Copping said NAIF has a strong track record in supporting projects that bring economic growth to Northern Australia.

“The NAIF has already committed over $3.2 billion to finance projects with an estimated total capital value of $6.6 billion and support for over 11,000 jobs,” Ms Copping said.

“The NAIF will continue to be one of the Government’s critical levers to drive economic development and jobs in our North, and we are pleased that this latest loan will help do exactly that for the Gascoyne and surrounding regions.”

 For more information on the NAIF and other investments in Northern Australia, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regions/northern-australia.

 Media Contact:

0455 448 985 (Minister Littleproud)

Government Awards Major Project Status to WA Urea Fertiliser

THE HON ANGUS TAYLOR MP

MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY, ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION

THE HON KEITH PITT MP

MINISTER FOR RESOURCES AND WATER

THE HON MELISSA PRICE MP
MEMBER FOR DURACK

The Morrison Government is supporting the development of a urea manufacturing facility in regional Western Australia, which is expected to bring hundreds of jobs and benefits right along the supply chain.

 Strike Energy Limited has been granted Major Project Status for Project Haber, its $3 billion urea manufacturing facility in the Narngulu Industrial Area, near Geraldton, Western Australia.

The project will produce up to 1.4 million tonnes per annum of urea from clean hydrogen and natural gas. Urea is the most commonly used solid nitrogen fertiliser, and Australia is almost completely dependent on imports of urea to support the nation’s agricultural sector. Strike Energy is developing Project Haber to provide lower cost, lower carbon emissions fertiliser to Australian farmers.

 Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the project was estimated to support 1,135 full-time jobs each year during the three-year construction phase and 300 full-time jobs per year over its 30-year life.

“Strike Energy’s project has enormous potential for job creation and emissions reduction through embracing new technologies and onshore manufacturing,” Minister Taylor said.

“The facility has the potential to deliver significant emissions reduction to Australia’s urea manufacturing sector through the use of advanced ammonia and gas processing technology, as well as dedicated clean hydrogen.

“It also aims to reduce the reliance of Australian farmers on international supply chains to enhance our food security, given more than 90 per cent of urea is currently imported.”

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said Strike Energy intended to also establish a regional skills centre for downstream manufacturing to train locals in operations and maintenance.

 “This is a great step forward in skilling up people for jobs in regional areas,” Minister Pitt said.

“I look forward to watching this development energise this region throughout the supply chain, as well as in the local manufacturing and farming sectors.”

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the project would create hundreds jobs in the Mid-West region for up to 30 years.

“This investment is about backing local jobs and creating career opportunities to support this part of regional WA for decades to come,” Minister Price said.

Strike Energy Managing Director Stuart Nicholls welcomed the Australian Government’s support for Project Haber.

“Australia has one of the world’s greatest endowments of natural resources, whether that is gas, wind, solar or geothermal energy. At Strike we believe we should maximise the benefit of those resources for the nation by adding value to them here,” Mr Nicholls said.

“By re-domesticating urea manufacturing in WA’s Mid West, Strike’s Project Haber will create regional jobs, incubate WA’s hydrogen economy whilst making our agriculture sector more competitive and carbon efficient.”  

Projects awarded Major Project Status have access to extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, including being provided with a single entry point for Australian Government approvals, project support and coordination.

 More information on the Major Projects Facilitation Agency and the full list of current major projects is available on the Major Projects Facilitation Agency website.

A Dose of Good Health for Durack

The Morrison Government has today invested more than $5 million to boost training opportunities in rural and remote Western Australia for up-and-coming nurses and allied health professionals.

Federal Member for Durack, The Hon. Melissa Price MP said the $5 million investment will boost student training in allied health and aged care careers and provide increased access to care for rural and remote patients in WA.

“I continue to work hard every day to improve access to high quality regional education. Opportunities like this Morrison Government investment is another great example and outcome for health care and aged care training and employment in Durack, through the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program,” Ms Price said.

“This announcement for Carnarvon, Roebourne and the surrounding remote Aboriginal communities of Cheeditha and Mingullatharndo will greatly benefit those areas directly, but it will also provide more health workers right across rural and remote WA. The recent opening of Carnarvon’s new aged care facility Gnullingoo Mia, will provide the ideal environment for students to learn on the job,” she said.

Ms Price said the funding includes:

• A grant of close to $2.2 million to create the Roebourne Remote Health and Social Care Training Hub to increase allied health, social care and nursing student training opportunities in Roebourne and the surrounding Aboriginal communities of Cheeditha and Mingullatharndo; and

• A grant of nearly $3 million to establish the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health Aged Care Training Program in Carnarvon.

Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie said research shows that health and medicine students who train in the regions are more likely to stay and practice there once qualified.

“As a former regional doctor, I know this is true, which is why the Coalition Government is investing heavily in increasing rural training opportunities to further boost our regional and rural workforce,” Dr Gillespie said.

Partnering with the WA Country Health Service, and the University of Western Australia will develop placement programs for nursing and a broad range of allied health disciplines with the overall aim of addressing workforce issues and gaps in services.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au

Priority Projects Kickstart the year in Durack

The Morrison Government is investing in regional priority projects across Durack supporting local jobs, businesses and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said the exciting developments planned for Durack have been made possible under the latest funding round of the Morrison Government’s $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.

“I work closely with many of the shires and local government organisations throughout Durack and I know the 14 organisations who have received approvals in the latest round of LRCI grants will undertake some important projects to increase the liveability and safety in their communities,” Ms Price said.

“I am proud of the ongoing financial support my government has prioritised to support safe roads across Durack shires and it is very pleasing to see that the City of Greater Geraldton has received $2.6 million for six culvert and floodway renewal projects while funding to the Shire of Gingin will assist some gravel road resheeting,” she said.

This funding is flowing under the third phase of the LRCI program to local councils across Australia to improve their local road networks and deliver priority community infrastructure projects building on the $1.5 billion already approved to deliver more than 6,100 projects nationwide under the first two phases of this program.

“This program is having a significant impact across Durack, not only delivering upgrades to local roads, but other important projects like security cameras, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities,” Ms Price said.

For more information on the $2.5 billion LRCI program, including the allocations for the $1 billion third phase, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/.

A list of the latest Durack funding is attached.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Mt Magnet Shire Council

$172,850

Shire of Moora

$1,015,714

Shire of Karratha

$1,208,358

Shire of Chapman Valley

$730,874

Shire of Dowerin

$767,492

City of Greater Geraldton

$2,646,504

Shire of Dalwallinu

$1,519,820

Shire of Northampton

$980,602

Shire of Yalgoo

$285,431

Shire of Gingin

$526,685

Shire of Wongan-Ballidu

$397,024

Shire of Upper Gascoyne,

$624,873

Town of Port Hedland

$510,728

Shire of Mingenew,

$173,160

Temporary Accommodation for Workers Program Announced

Builders undertaking restoration works in the Mid West following the devastation of April’s ex TC Seroja will soon have access to temporary regional accommodation. 

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said I have been pushing to get this issue resolved. The lack of suitable accommodation for builders and tradespeople has hampered reconstruction and recovery efforts.

 “The Temporary Accommodation for Workers Program will enable builders to stay locally while undertaking much-needed work,” Ms Price said.

 “Temporary accommodation will also be available for workers from other industries that are equally critical in helping impacted communities to get back on their feet and recover from this disaster.

“A mix of temporary accommodation solutions have been considered under this program to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and tailored to local needs including 60 beds in Kalbarri and mobile accommodation units stationed inland where required,” she said.

“While the recovery and rebuilding effort is expected to take some time, we will continue to support impacted communities for as long as it takes. The Temporary Accommodation for Workers Program is in addition to the record $107.1 million recovery packages previously announced which I fought hard for,” Ms Price said.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

 Ends.

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Another year of Mining Muscle in Durack

Resources projects in regional Western Australia are continuing to drive jobs and economic growth as confirmed in the latest export forecasts.

Resource and energy export earnings are forecast to reach a staggering $379 billion in 2021–22 with hundreds of new projects in the pipeline, including 161 in Western Australia.

The December edition of the Resources and Energy Quarterly (REQ) from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources found that high commodity prices, good volume growth and a weak Australian dollar are driving a surge in export earnings.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said many in her electorate continue to benefit from not just the state royalties, but the jobs created by existing and new resources and energy projects.

“Projects in the pipeline could create hundreds of jobs in construction and hundreds of ongoing jobs across Durack including hydrogen, ammonia and carbon capture and storage projects,” Ms Price said.

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said that the resources sector once again has been shown to be the bedrock of the Australian economy and would strongly support the nation’s future growth.

In 2020–21 resources and energy earnings passed $300 billion for the first time, reaching $310 billion, and are now forecast to top that by $69 billion in 2021–22.

The latest Resources and Energy Quarterly and the Resources and Energy Major Projects 2021 report are available on the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources website.
ENDS

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

$250 Million Available for Projects in Durack

The Morrison Government continues to invest in the future of Durack with a further $250 million in funding available under the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Applications for Round Six of the program are now open under two streams. The Infrastructure Projects Stream supports the construction or upgrade of infrastructure and the Community Investments Stream for community development activities including, but not limited to, new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, leadership and capability building activities.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price is encouraging local councils and community organisations to start preparing applications for projects to receive a share of $250 million.

“I have seen the great results achieved by numerous Durack communities because of this funding and is testament to the continuous investment by the Morrison Government in regional and remote communities,” Ms Price said.

“Previous BBRF projects in Durack communities have included very diverse projects like the development of Gascoyne Junction tourism facilities, improving a town’s recycled water facilities and the transformation of Mt Magnet’s disused Lloyd’s building into a thriving community multi - use facility. All these projects ensure communities have the facilities they need for the future while creating jobs, improving local amenity and driving our economic recovery,” she said.

There were 11 successful Durack applicants in Round Five including a $7.5 million infrastructure upgrade of taxiways at the Kununurra airport to $18, 000 for an Astro-tourism event in the Mingenew Shire.

Applications close on Thursday, 10 February 2022.  Application details here.

Building Better Regions Fund Infrastructure Projects Stream - Round Six | business.gov.au

Building Better Regions Fund - Community Investments Stream - Round Six | business.gov.au

 Ends.

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

More Connectivity Opportunities for Durack

Applications for the second round of the Morrison Government’s highly successful Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) are now open.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price says Round 2 of this program is an exciting opportunity for many Durack regional and remote communities.

“I know Round 1 of this program has made a real difference to telecommunications across a number of Durack Shires and communities and I would encourage more applications for this round which reflects the Morrison Government’s commitment to regional Australia,” Ms Price said.

“Round 1 of the RCP funded 25 connectivity projects in Durack with an investment of more than $17 million which included satellite broadband, Fixed Wireless broadband, Fibre broadband and mobile voice and data infrastructure solutions. Almost$7 million of that investment was to Kimberley projects,” she said.  

 There is up to $112 million available in Round 2 with a focus to provide place-based grants to areas of high economic and or social value and outside the NBN Fixed line footprint where better connectivity and increased data have a clear benefit to a local region

“I am particularly pleased that in this RCP round, approximately $45 million worth of dedicated funding for telecommunications infrastructure in Northern Australia is included, under the Connecting Northern Australia initiative,” Ms Price said.

The Australian Government has invested approximately $229 million in the program, committing $117.4 million under Round 1 to deliver more than 130 projects.

Applicants will be expected to provide a financial co-contribution to the capital costs of the building or installing for each project.

Round 2 guidelines of the Regional Connectivity Program are now available online: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-technology-communications/internet/regional-connectivity-program

Applications close 5pm AEDT on January 27 2022.

Ends;

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

New Hydrogen Clusters to Boost Job Opportunities for Durack

Two new hydrogen technology clusters have been announced in the Durack electorate, providing significant opportunities for investment and jobs in the region.

 Member for Durack Melissa Price said she had been pushing for the Gascoyne and the Midwest to join the Pilbara as a location for a new regional hydrogen technology cluster.

 The new clusters will further support the development of Australia’s future clean hydrogen industry.

 “People in the Gascoyne and Midwest regions of WA will now have important roles to play in our Government’s push to fast-track the development of a clean hydrogen industry,” Minister Price said.

 “I know my constituents in regional WA will embrace the opportunity to be at the forefront of this important industry for Australia.

 “I have been a strong advocate for hydrogen clusters in the Gascoyne and the Midwest, so this is a very pleasing outcome.”

 The clusters will operate under the Hydrogen Technology Cluster Australia project, an initiative of independent National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), which is funded by the Morrison Government’s Industry Growth Centres.

 They aim to bring together local players to build the regions’ skills and advance commercialisation opportunities.

 “These new clusters support our Government’s investment of more than $1.2 billion to fast-track the development of an Australian hydrogen industry,” Minister Price said. 

 Clean hydrogen could directly support 16,000 jobs by 2050, plus an additional 13,000 jobs from the construction of related renewable energy infrastructure.

 Australian hydrogen production for export and domestic use could also generate more than $50 billion in additional GDP by 2050.

Media contacts

Rose Crane (Minister Price’s office): 0427 587 395

Remembrance Day Thursday 11 November 2021

The Hon Melissa Price MP

Minister for Defence Industry

Op-Ed

 This Remembrance Day, Australians will again, in our respected tradition, observe one minute’s silence at the eleventh hour.

We will pause to honour those who served, suffered and died in war and armed conflict.

As we do, many of us will recall the iconic elements of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra – those features we’ve either seen in person or on our televisions: the Pool of Reflection and the Eternal Flame, the Hall of Memory and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the cloisters containing the bronze panels of the Roll of Honour that records more than 100,000 names.

The Australian War Memorial is a national symbol of duty, sacrifice and loss.

But it is by no means our only place of commemoration.

Across the nation, war memorials – large and small – can be found in almost every city and country town.

This Remembrance Day, I will be thinking about the memorial in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia – the gold mining town where I was born.

The Kalgoorlie Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial is a welcoming sight when you arrive at the Kalgoorlie railway station.

It was erected by Kalgoorlie’s citizens and unveiled in 1923.

A single bronze statue of a First World War soldier in the ‘on guard’ position sits atop a granite column.

A plaque contains the words of The Ode.

And there is a simple inscription: “To Our Glorious Dead”.

At the column’s base on four cornered wings sit marble lions.

Local memorials provide communities with a profound and intimate connection to the past.

Residents carry the flame of the memories of the fallen, keeping them alight for future generations.

Kalgoorlie’s small memorial is a place of association for many Australians who served in the Boer War, the two world wars and the Korean War.

This includes more than 300 soldiers who fought in World War One.

Like local memorials around the nation, Kalgoorlie’s reminds us of the faces and stories behind the fallen.

One of those faces was Private George Hamilton Bennett.

George attended the Kalgoorlie Central School prior to taking a job as a clerk at the local Commercial Bank.

He enlisted in 1915 at the age of 19, becoming part of the 28th Australian Infantry Battalion and saw his first action on Gallipoli.

After the withdrawal of Australian forces from the Turkish beaches, George was among the first contingent of Australian soldiers to head to the Western Front.

No doubt the marksmanship he developed at the Kalgoorlie Rifle Club was noticed by his commanding officers, as George was attached as a sniper to the 7th Brigade.

On the 8th of April, only 18 days after he arrived in France, Private George Bennett was killed in action at an observation post.

It was the first morning Australian forces went into the trenches at Armentières.

The poignancy and tragedy of Private Bennett’s death is evoked by the words of his mother.

On the circular sent to her seeking details of her son’s death, Mrs Barbara Bennett noted, “As far as known [he was the] first ‘Anzac’ to fall in France”.

Private Bennett is buried in France, commemorated in Kalgoorlie, and immortalised in name on panel 112 at the Australian War Memorial.

On Remembrance Day 2021, he will be in my thoughts.

As long as Australians remember our fallen – as long as we keep carrying the flame – we will never forget who they were.

And if we never forget who they were, and the values for which they fought and died, we will have a guiding light as we venture forth into the future.

Lest we forget.

[ENDS]

Home Repair Grants for Seroja recovery

Local homeowners who suffered damage following Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja can now access up to $20,000 in Recovery and Resilience Grants to help repair their homes.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said the grants recognise the benefits of building back better after a natural disaster.

“I have been so impressed by the efforts of so many in the impacted communities, getting on with repairs to their damaged dwellings despite some very challenging circumstances. I hope these grants will be able to assist many who are still working on the restoration of their home, “Ms Price said.

There are two types of reimbursement grants available up to a total of $20,000. 

·     The Recovery Grant will reimburse insured homeowners who incurred clean-up and repair costs if their insurance policy did not cover the total cost of works.

·    The Resilience Grant will provide insured homeowners with the funding to undertake eligible improvements to their properties, contributing to a greater peace of mind in the advent of a future cyclone or other severe weather event.

Measures covered under the Resilience Grant include:

·   Replacement of garage doors and frames with wind rated garage doors undertaken by a registered business.

·   Installation of window protections including cyclone shutters or debris screens undertaken by a registered business.

Grant applications are now open for eligible insured homeowners and close 31 March 2023.

The grants program is part of the $104 million joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements package announced after the devastating impact of Cyclone Seroja in April this year.

 Eligibility and application details for the Recovery and Resilience Grant Program are available online at dfes.wa.gov.au/recoveryandresiliencegrants

 Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

The list of eligible LGAs for the grants in Durack:

• Carnamah

• Carnarvon

• Chapman Valley

• Coorow

• Dalwallinu

• Dandaragan

• Greater Geraldton

• Irwin

• Koorda

• Mingenew

• Morawa

• Mount Marshall

• Northampton

• Perenjori

• Shark Bay

• Three Springs

Seeding Northern Development in Durack

There is a new Morrison Government grants program to support Durack businesses in the north that will support expansion, diversification, and new jobs in local communities.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said applications for the Morrison Government’s new $111.9 million Northern Australia Development Program (NADP) open today.

“From the banks of the irrigation channels of the Ord to Canberra, I have long championed the development of the north. I am thrilled that this new grant program is targeted to achieve that,” Ms Price said.

“The Northern Australia Development Program will offer two simultaneous grant streams, covering up to 50 per cent of the total cost of individual projects. These grants will support businesses to fund new capital expenditure investments like the construction of infrastructure or assets, or to undertake business planning and feasibility studies,” she said.

The first stream will target small to medium corporations with business expansion and diversification grants of between $50,000 and $2 million. The second stream will offer corporations between $3 million and $10 million to establish a new industry or grow an existing industry.

To be eligible businesses must have an Australian business number (ABN) and be either an entity incorporated in Australia and a trading corporation, or an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust.

For more information and eligibility criteria visit: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/northern-australia-development-program-business-development

It’s important for businesses to get their applications in prior to the first round assessment on December 10 2021. 

Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Heritage Grants for Seroja Repair

Applications are now open in Durack to help with the clean-up and restoration of heritage assets that were significantly damaged by Tropical Cyclone Seroja.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said the Cultural and Heritage Asset Clean-Up and Restoration Grant Program is part of a package of support for individuals, community members, primary producers, business owners and local governments.

“A reimbursement grant of up to $20,000 is available to assist with costs to clean-up and repair significant cultural and heritage sites across the cyclone-impacted area,” Ms Price said.

“Six months ago, Tropical Cyclone Seroja caused major havoc and devastation across our region and I urge those impacted who think they may be eligible to apply for this grant. This is an opportunity for eligible property owners and operators to defray some of their costs, help subsidise restoration works and conserve the historical significance of our heritage places,” Ms Price said.

I encourage owners and operators of heritage and cultural places to check out these grants to help related businesses and tourism in the region.

The $2 million Cultural and Heritage Asset Clean-Up and Restoration Grant Program is part of a $104.5 million jointly Commonwealth-state funded package under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to assist with clean-up, repairs and resilience works at heritage buildings and Aboriginal cultural heritage sites.

Eligibility and application details are available at www.emergency.wa.gov.au/recovery. 

Works must be completed by June 2023 and claims can be lodged until July 2023.

 Ends.

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

More Assistance for Cyclone Seroja impacted businesses

Small businesses in Durack directly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Seroja can now access grants of up to $25,000 to help with clean up and reinstatement costs to resume operations.

The Small Business Recovery Grants are jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Federal Member for Durack said the grants will provide local small businesses in 16 local government areas with access to a range of practical assistance measures to help get them back to business.

“It’s crucial for the recovery of our region that we get small businesses back on their feet. Many local businesses sustained significant damage from Cyclone Seroja. There are costs related to cleaning up, repairing premises, replacing tools and stock — not all of which was covered by insurance,”  Ms Price said.

“These businesses are at the heart of their communities and need support to meet these costs and get up and running again,” she said.

The grants can assist with the following eligible costs:

•                materials and additional labour costs to undertake clean-up

•                carting away and disposing of damaged goods and material

•                payment for tradespeople to conduct safety inspections

•                essential repairs to premises and internal fittings

•                purchase or lease costs for equipment essential for the immediate resumption of operations

•                leasing of temporary premises, and

•                replacement of stock which is essential for the immediate resumption of operations.

The Small Business Recovery Grants are in addition to the earlier Small Business Cyclone Seroja Grant Scheme managed by the Small Business Development Corporation. Eligible businesses may also apply for the Small Business Recovery Grant. Applications are now open online at www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/seroja

The list of eligible LGA’s is attached.

Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

The list of eligible LGAs for the grants in Durack:

• Carnamah

• Carnarvon

• Chapman Valley

• Coorow

• Dalwallinu

• Dandaragan

• Greater Geraldton

• Irwin

• Koorda

• Mingenew

• Morawa

• Mount Marshall

• Northampton

• Perenjori

• Shark Bay

• Three Springs

Stronger Communities Funding Round 7 opens in Durack

The Morrison Government is providing a further $150,000 in funding for small-scale upgrades and new equipment that will assist community groups and local governments in Durack.

Expressions of interest are now open for Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP), to nominate projects with a ‘Supporting Tourism in Durack’ theme for grants of up to $20,000.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said more funding for Durack would deliver the infrastructure and equipment our communities need to be successful and grow.

“I have seen some great results in Durack from this funding program across Durack and I look forward to seeing the successful outcome for more Durack communities with this round. From the funding and installation of defibrillators and kitchen upgrades in community facilities, to improvements in tourism signage and local interpretative displays from previous SCP rounds,” Ms Price said.

“I strongly encourage interested organisations to contact my office regarding projects important to them and our community. Grants from $2,500 up to $20,000 are available to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, or up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs for local governing bodies,” Ms Price said.

The Stronger Communities Programme support local jobs, grow local economies and delivers lasting infrastructure and much-needed equipment. The Morrison Government is providing $22.7 million under Round 7 to deliver investment in regional areas, to ensure our regions remain great places to live and visit.

The Morrison Government is continuing to back regional and remote communities, providing opportunities for them to get ahead and prosper into the future. Through the Stronger Communities Program, the Government has provided more than $135 million for projects for community-building and job-creating projects across Australia.

Expressions of Interest close Friday Nov 12.

Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Building Better Regions in Durack

The Morrison Government continues to invest in the future of Durack with funding for 11 projects under Round 5 of our highly successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Announcing the successful recipients today of the latest BBRF round, Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said she is thrilled with the outcome of this round. 

“Funding for these projects in Durack is testament to the dedication of the many local government and community organisations that have worked so hard to achieve this funding for projects they have been planning for a long time,” Ms Price said.

“From the crucial $7.5 million infrastructure upgrade of taxiways at the Kununurra airport, a $6 million investment in a new surf lifesaving club in Broome as part of the Cable Beach foreshore re-development, to projects in the Wheatbelt to build on the increase of domestic tourism, I am thrilled at the diversity and substantial funding achieved by the applicants,” Ms Price said.

“The Morrison Government’s investment will deliver better facilities and economic opportunities across Durack, delivering the services and infrastructure our communities deserve. We are backing these projects so local people have the facilities for the future, while creating jobs to boost our economic recovery,” she said.

This latest funding round takes the Morrison Government’s total support through the BBRF to $1.38 billion across nearly 1,300 projects.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong, continuing to work hard on behalf of Australians living in regional and remote communities.

A full list of successful Durack projects is attached here.

 Ends,

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

South-West WA Drought Hub to Broaden its Focus

T h e H o n. D a v i d L i t t l e p r o u d M P

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia

Deputy Leader of the Nationals

The Hon. Melissa Price MP

Minister for Defence Industry

Federal Member for Durack

The Australian Government is expanding the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub to catalyse agricultural innovation, drive commercialisation and create jobs.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Government has allocated additional funding for each Hub to develop regionally focused and responsive innovation and adoption strategies and to undertake activities.

“This investment is the next phase in the evolution of the Drought Hubs from being just drought focused to being focused on Innovation more broadly,” Minister Littleproud said.

South-West WA based hub led by the Grower Group Alliance is one of eight established across the country in April this year through the government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund.

“These hubs are key to unlocking the potential of the agricultural innovation system, enabling people to collaborate and deliver regionally targeted productivity gains.

“The hubs will build connections between researchers, technology developers, investors, producers and agribusinesses to drive innovation and digital technology uptake across industry and the supply-chain.

“The hubs will always be a shopfront for farmers to access innovative technologies and practices that enable them to be more prepared and resilient to drought.

“Now, as part of the National Agricultural Innovation Agenda, we are expanding their remit into broader agricultural innovation activities and outcomes.”

Federal Member for Durack, Melissa Price, said the South-West WA Hub base at Merredin will become the flagship for agricultural innovation in this part of the state.

“The hub has nodes located in Albany, Bunbury, Esperance, Geraldton, Katanning, Manjimup, Carnarvon and Northam which provides an extra reach for farmers”.

“It provides a physical platform for stakeholders from across our great region to come together and translate research and knowledge to make real impacts on the ground.

“The hub already has an extensive list of members, and this is another great win for WA agriculture,” Ms Price said.

“We are providing the right conditions to help the agricultural sector to modernise, improve, innovate and grow,” Minister Littleproud said.

For more details visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought- fund/research-adoption-program/adoption-innovation-hubs/south-west-wa-hub

Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Fast Facts:

• Under the National Agricultural Innovation Agenda, the government is providing

additional funding to the eight Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs to expand their

current remit of drought resilience to broader agricultural innovation outcomes.

• $20 million in additional funding is available to support activities which will lead to

uptake of innovation by producers, stimulate collaboration and increase commercialisation.

• The key activities of the hubs will include:

o developing regionally focused and responsive innovation and adoption strategies

o providing a local “shopfront” to access to knowledge, advice and support

o collating knowledge relevant to the region so it is accessible and available for adoption, and

to understand knowledge gaps and priorities

o trialling of new technologies and practices that are high priority

o demonstration, extension and communication to support uptake and scaling up of successful

innovations

o working with researchers to improve their ability to co-design research, so it delivers to

end-user needs and context

o developing and supporting use of information and decision support tools that help farmers

understand and respond to risks and opportunities

o attracting commercial investors and supporting commercialisation

o building regionally based entrepreneurial skills and leadership

o linking in with the Research and Development Corporations, where it makes sense.

• The hubs were established through the forward-thinking Future Drought Fund – a long term, sustained investment of $100 million each year to build drought preparedness and resilience.

• An independent Advisory Committee chaired by Mr Brent Finlay provides oversight across the hubs, supporting them to become interconnected agricultural innovation precincts.

Durack Moderna Vaccination Pharmacy List - End of Sept 2021.

·         Bakers Hill Pharmacy

·         Bindoon Pharmacy

·         Bluff Point Pharmacy

. Carnarvon Amcal Chemist

·         Carnarvon Pharmacy 777

·         Cunderdin Pharmacy

·         Derby Kimberley Pharmacy Services

·         Dongara Pharmacy

·         Exmouth Pharmacy

·         Geraldton Pharmacy 194

·         Geraldton Optimal Pharmacy Plus Stirlings

·         Geraldton Chemist Warehouse

·         Geraldton Rangeway Guardian Pharmacy

·         Geraldton Blooms The Chemist

·         Gidgegannup Pharmacy

·         Gingin Pharmacy

·         Goomalling WA Country Chemist

·         Jurien Bay Pharmacy

·         Karratha Pharmacy Help

·         Karratha Pharmacy 777

·         Kununurra Pharmacy

·         Leeman Pharmacy

·         Meekatharra Pharmacy

·         Merredin Pharmacy

·         Moora Community Pharmacy

·         Morawa Pharmacy

·         Newman Boulevard Pharmacy

·         Northam Stewart's Good Price Pharmacy

·         Northam Wheatbelt Health Centre Pharmacy

·         Northam Discount Drug Store

·         Paraburdoo Pharmacy

·         Port Hedland Pharmacy 777

·         South Hedland Pharmacy

·         Tarcoola Pharmacy

·         Tom Price Pharmacy

·         Toodyay Pharmacy

·         Wickham Clinicare Pharmacy

·         York Pharmacy